Electronic flameless candle

ABSTRACT

An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/213,287, filed Mar. 14, 2014, now U.S. patent Ser. No.______, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplications: Ser. No. 61/798,527, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled“Flameless Candle,” Ser. No. 61/798,348, filed on Mar. 15, 2013,entitled “Scented Flameless Candle,” and Ser. No. 61/798,053, filed onMar. 15, 2013, entitled “Flameless Candle with Motion Sensor,” thedisclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flamelesscandles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel andadvantageous flameless candles simulating a realistic flame-likeflicker, are capable of emitting a scent, and/or allow users to moreeasily control the candles' operations.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Traditional true flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant ambience inmany homes and businesses. Traditional candles may also be scented,adding a pleasant aroma. While the wax typically has a scent, even whenthe candle is not lit, this scent may be amplified when the candle islit. Traditional candles however, provide a variety of hazards includingrisk of fire, damage to surfaces caused by hot wax, and the possibleemission of soot. Flameless candles have become increasingly popularalternatives to traditional candles. With no open flame or hot meltedwax, flameless candles provide a longer-lasting, safe, and cleanalternative. There are flameless candles available that use incandescentlamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. However, suchflameless candles are easily distinguishable from their traditionalcandle counterparts. One problem is that flameless candles generallycannot suitably simulate the natural flicker of an actual flame asviewed by the naked eye. Another problem is flameless candles have notbeen able to provide a scented feature that simulates the desiredscented feature of a traditional candle, particularly when lit. Inaddition, flameless candles typically have one or more switches on thebase of the candle to turn the candle on, off, or into a flicker mode.This requires the user to awkwardly or inelegantly take the candle offits resting place.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a flameless candle that isaesthetically similar to a traditional candle. More particularly, thereis a need for a flameless candle that emits a more natural, flame-likeflicker of light, is capable of emitting a scent, and allows the user torelatively easily control the candle's operations.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding ofsuch embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any orall embodiments.

The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an electronicflameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, abottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottomsurface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface andthe sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a trueflame candle. The candle may also include a light source operablyconnected to the body, the light source electrically operated toilluminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candleflame.

The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to an electronicflameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, abottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottomsurface, and a body cavity defined by the top surface, the bottomsurface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size tosimulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light sourceoperably connected to the body, and a scent component, operablyconnected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scentwhen heated.

The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to an electronicflameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, abottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottomsurface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface andthe sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a trueflame candle. The candle may also include a light source operablyconfigured in the body, and a sensor component, operably connected tothe body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmentalcondition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of theenvironmental condition.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, thevarious embodiments of the present disclosure are capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawingsand detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in natureand not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed thatthe invention will be better understood from the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flameless pillar candle, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of a flameless pillar candle,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of a flameless candle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a flameless votive candle, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a flameless pillar candle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a control switch assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a circuit board, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a circuit board, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a scent cartridge, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of a flameless pillar candle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a circuit board with a heating element,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a flameless candle with a sensor,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a top view of a flameless candle with a sensor, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates how a motion sensor functions with a flamelesspillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a flameless candle, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a circuit board with a motion sensor,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates how a motion sensor functions with a flamelessvotive candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flamelesscandles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel andadvantageous flameless candles simulating a realistic flame-likeflicker, are capable of emitting a scent, and/or allow users to moreeasily control the candles' operations.

The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a flamelesscandle that uses, in at least one embodiment, a LED light source toprovide a natural, flame-like flicker of light. The flameless candle mayinclude a body having a top surface, a bottom surface upon which thebody rests, and a sidewall between the bottom surface and the topsurface. One or more control switches may be located on the top surface,the bottom surface, or on the sidewall. Each of these control switchesmay provide a variety of functions when activated separately ortogether, including, but not limited to, turning the light source on oroff, operating the light source in static or random flicker mode,changing the color of the light, dimming or brightening of the lightsource, or operating a timer to the light on or off. The natural flickermay be created by a circuit board which provides a signal to the light.The signal may be comprised of random frequencies and amplitudes ofcurrent. The circuit board may also control pulse-width modulation andthe frequency and duty ratio of the signal received by the light. Thesignal transmitted randomly to one or more of the diodes of the LED maycause the LED to produce a natural “flicker” of light to the human eye.In various embodiments, the flameless candle may alternatively oradditionally include a scent diffusing component to diffuse a pleasantaroma into the surrounding area and/or a sensing component to sense oneor more environmental conditions, including but not limited to, motion,light, or sound and control operation of the candle based on the sensedenvironmental condition.

A Flameless Candle

The flameless candles described herein provide a substantially morerealistic flame-like light from a light source. In this regard, aflameless candle of the present disclosure may be comprised of one ormore components that may function to mimic a natural flame's flicker.Referring to FIG. 1A, a flameless candle 10 may be comprised of a body20, a control switch 30, and an electrical assembly 50. In variousembodiments, the flameless candle 10 may also include a scent component40, and a sensor component 70.

Structure

The Candle Body

Generally, as illustrated in the flameless pillar candle of FIG. 1A, thebody 20 of a flameless candle 10 may be comprised of a top surface 22, abottom surface 24 upon which the candle rests, and a sidewall 26 betweenthe top surface 22 and the bottom surface 24. The body 20 may havedesirable translucent, luminescent, and aesthetic properties to mimicthe look and feel of a traditional candle. The body 20 may be made fromone or more materials, including but not limited to, wax, paraffin,glass, polymeric materials, or any combination thereof.

The top surface 22 may include an indented central portion 28 toresemble a top surface of a used or partially melted traditional candle,where the wax may have been reduced by melting from the heat of the openflame in order to continue feeding the flame. In other embodiments, thecentral portion may not be indented. The sidewall 26 and indentedcentral portion 28 may cooperate to create a lip 21 on the top surface22. As seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the sidewall 26 and lip 21 maycooperate to have a varied height thereby resembling the visualappearance of a used traditional candle where the wax has been reduced.The sidewall 26 may have a constant height, in other embodiments. Thetop surface 22 and bottom surface 24 may be circular and the sidewall 26may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, resulting ina cylindrical body 20. However, other shapes or configurations arepossible and within the scope of the invention including, but notlimited to, a cube, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, or a sphere. The bottomsurface 24 may generally be flat, resulting in a stable condition of thecandle when placed on a table, shelf, or other suitable flat surface.The top surface 22, bottom surface 24, and sidewall 26 cooperate to fauna cavity 48, schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A. As seen in FIG. 1B,the bottom surface 24 may also include a cover 34, that may allow easyaccess to the cavity 48.

Referring to FIG. 1D, the present disclosure may also be embodied in avotive flameless candle 100. The candle 100 may comprise a body 120. Thebody comprising a top side 122, a bottom side 124, and a sidewall 126between the top surface 122 and bottom surface 124. Such a flamelesscandle 100 may generally be sized and shaped to simulate a traditionaltrue flame votive candle, in some embodiments.

The Control Switch

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, disposed in the center of the base ofthe central portion 28 of top surface 22 may be an upper control switch30. The upper control switch 30 may be a push button, toggle, slide,rotary selector switch, or any other suitable control. In alternative oradditional embodiments, the bottom surface 24 may include a lowercontrol switch 32, as seen in FIG. 1B. An upper control switch 130 mayalso be seen in the embodiment in FIG. 1D. By activating the controlswitches 30 or 130 and/or 32 separately or in conjunction, one or morefunctions may be activated, such as the light source 56 may begin toflicker. In at least one embodiment, the control switch 30 may house thelight source 56, as seen in FIG. 3.

The Electrical Assembly

The cavity 48 may contain the electrical assembly 50, schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1A. The electrical assembly may comprise one or morecomponents, including, but not limited to, a control switch assembly 58(shown in greater detail in FIG. 3), a power source 52, at least onecircuit board 54, and a light source 56. The upper control switch 30 maybe in communication with the light source 56 of the flameless candle 10.Or, as stated above, the control switch 30 may house the light source.

Control Switch Assembly

Referring to FIG. 2, the control switch assembly 58 may retain thecontrol switch 30. The control switch assembly 58 may be comprised ofone or more components. In one embodiment as seen in FIG. 3, the controlswitch assembly 58 components may include, but are not limited to, apush button control switch 30, a spring 59, and a retaining assembly 60.The spring 59 may be disposed between the light source 56 and thecircuit board 54. In other embodiments, the light source may bepositioned below the spring and the circuit board. The light source 56may be brought into electrical and mechanical communication with thecircuit board 54. For example, a push button control switch 30 may bepressed down so that it is in an “on” position resulting in the spring59 compressing. The light source 56 may become electrically engaged withthe circuit board 54. When the push button for the control switch ispressed down again, the spring 59 may release and the push buttonreturns to an “off” position. In at least one such embodiment, when thespring 59 is released, the light source 56 is electrically disengagedfrom the circuit board 54. In other embodiments, for example those notusing a push button, a spring may not be present.

The control switch assembly 58 may further comprise a retaining assembly60. The retaining assembly 60 may have a circumferential outer conicalportion 68 that mates with a circular opening within the top surface ofthe candle body. In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly 60may have a central lumen 69 through which the control switch 30 may beable to slide. In at least one embodiment, when installed within the topsurface, the retaining assembly 60 is flush with the surrounding surfaceof the indented central portion 28 of the body 20. The retainingassembly 60 may comprise several components that are assembled to holdthe control switch assembly 58 within the candle body. The componentsmay, in some embodiments, comprise a plurality of concentric matingrings, each with a different inner and out diameter. In the embodimentof FIG. 3, there may be an inferior ring 62, a superior inner ring 64,and a superior outer ring 66. In various embodiments, thecircumferential outer conical portion 68 may be comprised within thesuperior inner ring 64. While the retaining assembly 60 described andshown herein comprises a plurality of concentric mating rings, othershapes or configurations are possible and are within the scope of theinvention. Such other shapes or configurations include but are notlimited to cubes, rectangular solids, cones, pyramids, spheroids, andirregular shapes. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly componentsare integrally formed. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly ismade from a wax, paraffin, glass, polymeric materials, or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the configuration of the retainingassembly 60 and the selected material may have desirable translucent,luminescent and aesthetic properties to mimic the look and feel of atraditional candle.

Power Source

Referring back to FIG. 2, the power source may provide power to theelectrical assembly, resulting in the light source being illuminated.The power source 52 may be disposed within a power source compartment36. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the power source 52 maycomprise one or more batteries. The power source 52 may be adjacent tothe cover 34 and centrally located, allowing an ease of access to changethe battery. In other embodiments, the power compartment may be locatedproximal to the sidewall 26, superior to the rest of the electricalassembly, or exterior to the flameless candle 10. The power compartmentmay be located in any suitable location. The power source may be one ormore standard alkaline batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries, aUSB charged power source, a power cord, a power source charged byinduction charging, any other suitable source, or any combinationthereof.

Light Source

The light source may illuminate the flameless candle. The light sourcemay be a LED that comprises one or more diodes, in various embodiments.The light source may be an incandescent lamp, in other embodiments. Thelight source may be a gas discharge lamp, in yet another embodiment. Itshould be understood that any suitable light source may be used. Thelight source may preferably be located on a midline of the body 20 ofthe candle in order to mimic traditional candles, as seen in FIG. 2. Inother embodiments, the light source may be located more proximal to thesidewall. In at least one embodiment, the light source may be locatedsuperior to the transverse plane, or in the top half of the candle.However, a light source located at any point within the body of thecandle is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the light source 56 may be built into a customizedhousing 57, in some embodiments. The customized housing 57, in oneembodiment, has a concave top surface, but in other embodiments can beconvex or may be a flat top surface. The customized housing 57 may alsohave a concave bottom surface, convex bottom surface, or flat surface.In some embodiments, the customized housing 57 may be made of a clear,translucent or opaque material. In at least one embodiment, thecustomized housing may be coated with a plurality of specks of an orangeor yellow coating arranged in a specific pattern to make the lightappear more natural. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, thelight source 56 and the customized housing 57 may form a push button ofthe control switch 30.

In some embodiments, the light source may be comprised of one or morelights, or one or more LED diodes. In various embodiments, differentcolored lights may be used to better mimic the color of a flame. Forexample, in one embodiment, the light source may by a combination ofred, yellow, orange, and/or white LEDs. The lights may cooperate tomimic the colors of a natural flame.

Circuit Board

As seen in the example of FIG. 4, a circuit board 54 may be inelectrical communication with the power source 52, the light source 56,and any control switch 30, 32. The circuit board may be comprised of oneor more components. In one embodiment, the circuit board components mayinclude, but are not limited to, a clock 76, an analog-to-digitalconverter 80, a random address generator 84, a random sequence generator90, and an output 92. The output 92 may be in communication with thelight source 56. The functionality of the circuit board 54 is discussedbelow.

Function

The upper control switch 30 and/or lower control switch 32, hereincalled the control switch, may be in communication with a light source(or light) 56. The control switch may be a push button, toggle switch,slide switch, or any other suitable component. The control switch may beconfigured to, when selected by the user, modify the frequency of alight's flicker, the luminescence of the light, the color of the light,or the timer settings of the light. In at least one embodiment, thecontrol switch may be a push button, which when depressed selects aparticular mode of the candle. In one embodiment, the modes include, butare not limited to, a flicker mode, a static light mode, and an offmode. For example, depressing the push button of the control switch mayactivate the light source in flicker mode. A light in flicker mode mayrandomly dim and brighten in such a way that mimics a flame from atraditional candle. Depressing the push button a second time mayactivate the light source in static mode. A light in static mode may beon but may not flicker. Depressing the push button a third time mayactivate a timer mode. A light in timer mode may automatically turn offafter a set time period. Depressing the push button a fourth time maydeactivate the light, or result in an off mode. Any suitable means ofactivation or deactivation of any mode may be used.

In some embodiments, the candle may produce an indication of the modeselected. It at least one embodiment, when the user depresses thecontrol switch, the light source may flash any number of times toindicate a certain mode has been selected.

Flicker Mode

The natural flicker may be controlled by one or more methods, including,but not limited to a random signal method.

A random signal method may generate one or more random signals resultingin a natural “flicker” from the light source. As noted above, FIG. 4 isan electrical schematic for one embodiment of the circuit board 54 ofthe present disclosure. Clock 76 may be in electrical communication withthe power source 52. When the power source 52 is activated by controlswitch 30, clock 76 may provide an input signal to at least the randomaddress generator 84. The random address generator 84 may provide arandom signal to the dynamic random feedback 80. The dynamic randomfeedback 80 may be or may comprise an analog-to-digital converter, insome embodiments. The random signal may vary in one or more aspectsincluding, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. Theduty cycle may be the period of time it takes for a signal to completean on-and-off cycle. In at least one embodiment, the random addressgenerator 84 may use pulse-width modulation to modify the signal, whichresults in controlling the power supplied to the light source.Pulse-width modulation may be used to manipulate (increase or decrease)the power a light source receives at very high rates. This manipulationmay result in a perceived flicker as the light source is quickly changedfrom high luminescence to low luminesce and back again.

The dynamic random feedback 80 may convert the random signal to adigital signal which is then transmitted to the control module 90. Thecontrol module may be or may comprise a random sequence generator, insome embodiments. The control module may control one or more lightsource aspects, including but not limited to light brightness and time.The control module 90 may manipulate the random signal received from thedynamic random feedback 80 into a second random signal; although such isnot required. The second random signal may also vary in one or moreaspects to control the brightness and duration in the light source. Inone embodiment, the second random signal variations may include, but arenot limited to, amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. In at least oneembodiment, the control module 90 may also use pulse-width modulation tomodify the signal. The second random signal from the control module 90may be output via output 92 to the light source 56.

In one embodiment, using LED light diodes, the second random signal maybe output to one or more diodes. As illustrated in FIG. 5 the controlmodule 90 may convert the random signal 92 a into one or more randomsignals 92 b, 92 c, and 92 d each being output to a separate diode viaoutput 92. The signal transmitted randomly to one or more of the diodesof the LED 56 may produce a natural “flicker” of light to the human eye.

The natural “flicker” may have a 72-hour cycle, in some embodiments. A72-hour cycle may provide an optimal battery life, in some embodiments,where a battery is used as the power source. For example, a random, orseemingly random pattern may be used for a 72-hour cycle, at the end ofwhich the random pattern may then repeat. In some embodiments, a 24-hourcycle may be used. In other embodiments, a 48-hour cycle may be used. Itshould be understood that a cycle of any duration may be used.

Static Mode

A light source in static mode may be on, and may not flicker. In variousembodiments, the static mode may be set to varying degrees ofluminosity. That is, the light source may be dimmed to one or morelevels. The power supply 52, may supply power directly to the lightsource 56, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the power supplymay pass through the clock 76 before reaching the light source 56,thereby allowing a timer mode to be activated.

Timer Mode

The flameless candle may have a timer, where the light remains on for apredetermined timed period. In some embodiments, the timed period may beautomatically set. For example, activation of the timer may keep thelight source on for one hour and then turn the candle off. In otherembodiments, the user may set the timer to any desired time. In oneembodiment, the user may select the timer by depressing a control buttonuntil the timer mode is selected. In one example, the light source mayflash three times to indicate the timer mode has been selected. The usermay then push the control switch any number of desired times, eachdepression of the control switch adding a predetermined period of time.In other embodiments, there may be a USB port that a user may plug intothe candle with preloaded timer settings. In still another, there may bea separate control switch for the timer mode, or two or more controlswitches may, together, activate the timer mode. Any suitable method toset a timer for the candle may be used.

Scented Flameless Candle

A flameless candle of the present disclosure may additionally oralternatively have a scented component that may provide a scent or aromato the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the scentedcomponent may be a scented cartridge. The scent may be diffused throughthe cartridge and into the surrounding environment when heat or anelectric current is applied to the scent cartridge, in some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, a scent cartridge 40, may be comprised of a topsurface 112, a bottom surface 113, and an outer sidewall 114 thatextends between the bottom surface 113 and the top surface 112. In someembodiments, the scent cartridge 40 may further comprise an innersidewall 115, extending between the bottom surface 113 and the topsurface 112, thereby defining a hole 116. The top surface 112, bottomsurface 113, and sidewalls 114, 115 may cooperate to define a chamber,or cavity 119 (seen in FIG. 7). The cavity 119 may contain one or morefragrance impregnated materials. In one embodiment, the fragranceimpregnated material may be a fragrant liquid. In another embodiment,the fragrance impregnated material may be a fragrant disk. Any suitablefragrant material may be used.

The top surface may comprise one or more openings 117 through which afragrance vapor, or scent, may be diffused. The openings 117 may have adiameter that is between five and ten percent of the outer diameter ofthe scent cartridge 40, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, theopenings 117 have a diameter between about two millimeters and twentymillimeters. In other embodiments, the openings may have any suitablediameter. It should also be understood the openings 117 may be circularholes, slats, or any other suitable opening for diffusing the scent. Theopenings 117 may have a depth that is less than the height of the outersidewall 114, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the openingsmay have a depth equal to the height of the outer sidewall 114. In stillother embodiments, there may be openings 117 on the surface of innersidewall 115 or outer sidewall 114. The top surface 112 may comprise aplurality of surface features 118. Surface features 118 may include, butare not limited to, bumps, ridges, protrusions, channels, and reliefs.Surface features 118 may further assist with diffusing the scent.

The bottom surface 113 of the scent cartridge 40 may be flat, in someembodiments. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 113 may havesurface features 120 that allow the bottom surface to rest properlywithout shifting within the flameless candle 10. In at least oneembodiment, the bottom surface 113 has a plurality of surface features120 that engage with surface features on the indented central portion 28of the flameless candle 10. By rotating the scent cartridge 40, thesurface features on the bottom surface 113 may substantially alignand/or lock with the surface features on the flameless candle 10 to holdthe scented cartridge 110 in place. In some embodiments, the top surface112 may have the same configuration of surface features 120 as thebottom surface 113 allowing the scent cartridge 40 to be flipped orturned over for prolonged use.

The light source, as discussed above, may be disposed inside the body ofthe candle, within the control switch assembly, or in any other suitableposition. In at least one embodiment, the light source may be disposedwithin a central portion of the scent cartridge, allowing the user toreplace the light and the scent simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 7, a scent cartridge 40 may be disposed within theindented central portion 28 of flameless candle 10. In at least oneembodiment, the bottom surface 113 of the scent cartridge 40 may beflush with the base of the indented central portion 28. In otherembodiments, as seen in FIG. 7, the hole 116 may be positioned over acontrol switch 30, the control switch 30 at least partially extendingoutwardly from the scented cartridge 40. In still other embodiments, thescented cartridge may be positioned to act on the control switch. Forexample, the scented cartridge which may, for example, have no hole 116,may be placed in the indented central portion 28. A user may be able topush onto the scented cartridge, which may in-turn push onto a pushbutton control switch, thereby depressing the control switch. In stillother embodiments, a control switch may be integrated into the scentcartridge.

Activation of a control switch may, in addition to activating a lightsource, turn on or off a heating element or otherwise activate the scentmode of the candle. To provide heat to the scent cartridge 40, theflameless candle 10 may further comprise a heating element 160, whichmay be in direct contact with, in nearly direct contact with, adjacentto, or otherwise close to the scent cartridge 40. However, any suitableposition allowing the heating element 160 to heat the scent cartridge 40may be used. The heating element 160 may also be in communication withthe circuit board 54. In at least one embodiment, the heating element160 may be situated between the control switch assembly 58 and the scentcartridge 40. In one embodiment, the heating element 160 may have anouter surface 162 that cooperates, or mates, with the bottom surface 113of the scent cartridge 40, in order to apply direct heat. When a userselects to activate the heating element 160, heat may be applied to thebottom surface 113 of the scent cartridge 40, resulting in an emissionor diffusion, of the fragrant scent.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example circuit schematic for the circuit board inan embodiment involving a heating element. The circuit 170 may comprisea power source 52, a booster circuit 172, an MCU detection circuit 174,a transistor switch 176, and the heating element 160. In someembodiments, the circuit may also include a light source circuit 180.The light source circuit may, in some embodiments, be a circuit such asthat illustrated by FIG. 4, discussed above. The light source circuitand heating element circuit may share some or all common components. Thepower source 52 may provide a voltage to the MCU detection circuit 174through the booster circuit 172, in some embodiments. In otherembodiments, the power source 52 may provide a voltage directly to theMCU detection circuit. The booster circuit 172 may amplify the voltageobtained from the power source 52 and provide it to the MCU detectioncircuit 174. In various embodiments, the booster circuit 172 may providean amplified voltage to the light source circuit 180. The MCU detectioncircuit 174 may output high and low electric levels to control thetransistor switch 176. The transistor switch 176 may connect the MCUdetection circuit 174 with the heating element 160, thereby affectingone or more heating element modes as well as the temperature of theheating element 160. Heating element modes may include, but are notlimited to, on, on-high, on-low, off, or timer.

In various embodiments, based on one or more control switch 30, 32inputs, the MCU detection circuit 174 may output various high and lowelectric levels over a desired time period, herein referred to ashigh-low cycle. The high-low cycle may enable a cyclic on and offinterval of heating by turning the transistor switch 176 on and offbased on the electric levels. For example, a user may select a scentfeature mode having a duration of four hours. The MCU detection circuit174 may output a high-low cycle resulting in the transistor switch 176turning the heating element 160 on for thirty minutes, off for twohours, on for ten minutes, off for thirty minutes, on for ten minutes,off for thirty minutes, and then off. In such an embodiment, when thecontrol switch 30, 32 is pressed again, the cycle may be cancelled andthe light source 30 may turn off.

The MCU detection circuit 174 may incorporate a temperature sensor 182,as shown in the detailed circuit schematic example of FIG. 9. Byconverting the temperature change of the heating plate to a voltagechange, the temperature of the heating plate can be tested andcontrolled by the MCU detection circuit 174. When the temperature isequal to or greater than a desired value, the MCU detection circuit 174may turn the transistor switch 176 off, resulting in cutting off powerto the heating element 160. The desired high temperature value may be,at least in part, dependent upon at least the material properties of thescent cartridge 40. In at least one embodiment, the desired hightemperature value may be about fifty degrees Celsius (one-hundred andtwenty two degrees Fahrenheit). In general, the desired high temperaturevalue can be between about forty-five degrees Celsius (about one-hundredand thirteen degrees Fahrenheit) and fifty-five degrees Celsius (aboutone-hundred and thirty one degrees Fahrenheit). When the temperature isequal to or lower than a desired value, the MCU detection circuit 174may turn the transistor switch 176 on, sending power to the heatingelement 160, and thereby turning the heating element 160 on. In at leastone embodiment, the desired low temperature value may be about fivedegrees Celsius lower than the desired high temperature value. Thedesired low temperature value may be, at least in part, dependent uponthe material properties of the scent cartridge 40. In at least oneembodiment, the desired low temperature value is about forty-fivedegrees Celsius (about one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit). In general, thedesired low temperature value can be between about thirty-eight degreesCelsius (about one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit) and fifty degrees Celsius(about one-hundred and twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit). However, itshould be understood that any suitable temperature (s) to heat theheating element 160 may be used and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Sensing Flameless Candle

A flameless candle of the present disclosure may additionally oralternatively have a sensing component, in various embodiments. In someembodiments, the sensing component may be a motion sensor that may allowa user to use hand motions, or other motions, to select variousfunctions, or modes, of the flameless candle. The modes may include, butare not limited to, whether the light is on or off, whether the light isin a static mode or flicker mode, the duration the light is on, thecolor of the light, the luminescence of the light, and whether a scentmode is on. In other embodiments, the sensing component may be anoptical sensor that may allow one or more modes to be selected based onthe ambient light in the surrounding environment. For example, when theambient light is reduced, such as at dusk, the optical sensor may detectthe change and turn the flameless candle's light on. In still otherembodiments, the sensing component may be an audio sensor that may allowthe user to use audio cues to select various functions, or modes, of theflameless candle. In one embodiment, the sensing component may be ableto detect air movement, allowing a user to select a various mode, suchas turning the flameless candle off, by blowing on the sensor,simulating a method of blowing out a traditional true flame candle. Insome embodiments, the sensing component may be a Bluetooth, radio, orother wireless component able to receive a wireless signal from acomputer, remote, handheld device, or any other suitable device. Forexample, a user may select a flicker mode on a timer for two hours fromher handheld device. The device may transmit a signal that may bereceived by the sensing component in the wireless candle, resulting inthe candle being configured to remain in flicker mode for two hours andthen turn off. One or more sensors may be used in various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

A flameless candle may comprise a motion sensor, in various embodiments.As seen in FIGS. 9A-9B a motion sensor 70 may be disposed within theindented central portion 28. In some embodiments, the motion sensor 70may be radially offset from the center of the base 29 of the centralportion 28. In various embodiments where a scent cartridge may be used,the motion sensor 70 may be spaced sufficiently away from the center ofthe base 29 so as not to be covered by the scent cartridge. In someembodiments, the motion sensor 70 may be integrated with the uppercontrol switch 30. In at least one embodiment the motion sensor 70,upper control switch 30, and light source may be integrated. In otherembodiments as seen in FIG. 10, the motion sensor 70 may be embeddedwithin the body 20 of the flameless candle 10. By embedding the motionsensor 70 into the body 20 of the flameless candle 10, the candle mayhave additional functionality while being aesthetically similar to atraditional candle. Any suitable location to embed the motion sensor 70may be used and is within the scope of the present disclosure.

A motion sensor assembly may house the motion sensor. Similar to thecontrol switch assembly discussed above, the motion sensor assembly maybe in communication with the power source, the light source, and acircuit board. Referring additionally to the exploded view in FIG. 11,when installed within the cavity 49, the motion sensor assembly 61 maybe flush with the surrounding surface of the body 20 and/or may be flushwith the indented central portion on the top surface 22. In someembodiments, the motion sensor assembly 61 is made from a wax, paraffin,glass, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the configuration of the motion sensor assembly and theselected material may have desirable translucent, luminescent andaesthetic properties to mimic the look and feel of a traditional candle.

The motion sensor may emit electromagnetic waves. By using differenthand motions, electromagnetic induction modules may produce differentwaveform outputs to perform different product function statuses (such ason or off). By activating the motion sensor 70, the light source 56 ofthe candle may be illuminated, in various embodiments. In at least oneembodiment, a control switch may activate the power supply before themotion sensor may change the mode.

Referring additionally to FIG. 12, which is an electrical schematic forone embodiment involving a motion sensor, as power is supplied from thepower source 52 optionally through a booster circuit 75 to the motionsensor 70, the motion sensor 70 may emit electromagnetic waves 90 a.Based on different motions at a certain distance, the electromagneticwaves may be reflected and the motion sensor 70 may receive thedifferent electromagnetic waves 90 b. Through the internal processing ofthe motion sensor 70, the motion sensor 70 may output one or moresignals 70 a, 70 b, 70 c, and 70 d to the control circuit 55, which maybe connected to the light source 56. Based on the signal(s) 70 a, 70 b,70 c, and 70 d received from the motion sensor 70, the control circuit55 may adjust, among other features, the brightness or color of thelight, the emission of scent, turn the light source 56 on or off, adjustany other mode or function, or perform any combination thereof.

In one particular embodiment, the light source 56 may be off and thecandle may be in a standby mode. When the power source 52 is turned on,at least one oscillator of the control circuit 55 may output a highlevel voltage continuously to a transistor circuit 72 of the circuitboard 354. This high level voltage may be continuously supplied to afirst transistor of the transistor circuit 72 until it reaches asaturation conduction. The voltage may then pass through to a secondtransistor of the transistor circuit 72, whereby the second transistoris conducted. The voltage may then pass to the light source 56, inessence turning the light source on. The voltage may then pass back tothe control circuit 55 as three outputs 72A, 72B, and 72C. The threeoutputs 72A, 72B, and 72C may form square wave outputs, therebyaffecting the amplitude of the voltage provided to the light source,which may cause the light source 56 to flash. In some embodiments, thecontrol circuit 55 may utilize pulse modulation to control brightness ofthe light source 56.

FIGS. 10 and 13 illustrate different embodiments of a flameless candlewith the motion sensor in use. The motion sensor 70 may emit a pluralityof electromagnetic waves 90 a that proceed unimpeded until a user's handH makes a gesture, motion, or movement. The movement may reflect theelectromagnetic waves 90 b back to the motion sensor 70. As discussedabove, through the internal processing of the motion sensor 70, themotion sensor converts the reflected electromagnetic waves 90 b intooutput signals that are processed by a control circuit of the candle.The motion sensor 70 may have a working range of about five meters(about seventeen feet). In other embodiments, the motion sensor 70 mayhave a working range of ten meters (about thirty-three feet). In oneembodiment, the motion sensor may have a range of over ten meters. Themotion sensor 70 may have any desired working range in variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. The variousembodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustrationof the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, andto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within thescope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly,legally, and equitably entitled.

We claim:
 1. A removable fragrance cartridge for use in an imitationcandle device, the removable fragrance cartridge comprising: a topsurface including one or more holes to provide one or more pathways fordiffusion of a fragrance from an interior of the fragrance cartridge toan area outside of the fragrance cartridge, the top surface including aplurality of surface features to further assist with diffusion of thefragrance; a bottom surface; an outer sidewall extending between the topsurface and the bottom surface; an opening in the top surface defined byan inner sidewall extending between the top surface and the bottomsurface, the opening formed at a central location of the fragrancecartridge such that, upon placement into the imitation candle device,the opening is positioned below an illuminated element protruding from atop section of the imitation candle device; and a chamber defined by thetop surface, the bottom surface, the inner sidewall, and the outersidewall, wherein the chamber comprises one or more fragrance materials.2. The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the one or moreholes are shaped as a circular opening.
 3. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 1, wherein the one or more holes have a diameter thatis between five and ten percent of the outer diameter of the fragrancecartridge.
 4. The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein theone or more holes have a diameter between about two millimeters andtwenty millimeters.
 5. The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 1,further comprising one or more holes in the inner sidewall between thetop surface and the bottom surface.
 6. The removable fragrance cartridgeof claim 1, further comprising one or more holes in the outer sidewallbetween the top surface and the bottom surface.
 7. The removablefragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the opening extends through boththe top and bottom surfaces.
 8. The removable fragrance cartridge ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom surface is a flat surface.
 9. The removablefragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface has aplurality of surface features to allow secure placement of the fragrancecartridge within the imitation candle device.
 10. The removablefragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the one or more fragrancematerials is shaped as a disk for placement within the chamber.
 11. Theremovable fragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the one or morefragrance materials is a fragrant liquid.
 12. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 1, wherein the top surface includes one or more gapsthat separate at least some of the plurality of surface features. 13.The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 1, wherein the surfacefeatures include one or more of the following: a bump, a ridge, aprotrusion, a channel, or a relief.
 14. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 1, further comprising a light.
 15. The removablefragrance cartridge of claim 1, further comprising at least a section ofa push button control switch.
 16. A flameless electronic candle,comprising: a body including a cavity for housing a plurality ofcomponents of the flameless electronic candle; one or more light sourcesoperably configured in the body; a removable fragrance cartridgedisposed within the flameless electronic candle, wherein the fragrancecartridge comprises, a top surface including one or more holes toprovide one or more pathways for diffusion of a fragrance from aninterior of the fragrance cartridge to an area outside of the fragrancecartridge, the top surface including a plurality of surface features tofurther assist with diffusion of the fragrance; a bottom surface; anouter sidewall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface;an opening in the top surface defined by an inner sidewall extendingbetween the top surface and the bottom surface, the opening formed at acentral location of the fragrance cartridge such that, upon placementinto the imitation candle device, the opening is positioned below anilluminated element protruding from a top section of the imitationcandle device; and a chamber defined by the top surface, the bottomsurface, the inner sidewall, and the outer sidewall, wherein the chambercomprises one or more fragrance materials.
 17. The flameless electroniccandle of claim 16, further comprising, a push button control switch toallow the activation of a scent mode, wherein the push button controlswitch is at least partially extending outwardly from the fragrancecartridge.
 18. The flameless electronic candle of claim 16, furthercomprising, a heating element thermally coupled to the fragrancecartridge to facilitate dissemination of the fragrance materials. 19.The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein the one or moreholes are shaped as a circular opening.
 20. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 16, wherein the one or more holes have a diameterthat is between five and ten percent of the outer diameter of thefragrance cartridge.
 21. The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 16,wherein the one or more holes have a diameter between about twomillimeters and twenty millimeters.
 22. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 16, further comprising one or more holes in the outersidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface.
 23. Theremovable fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein the opening extendsthrough both the top and bottom surfaces.
 24. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 16, wherein the bottom surface has a plurality ofsurface features to allow secure placement of the fragrance cartridgewithin the imitation candle device.
 25. The removable fragrancecartridge of claim 16, wherein the one or more fragrance materials isshaped as a disk for placement within the chamber.
 26. The removablefragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein the one or more fragrancematerials is a fragrant liquid.
 27. The removable fragrance cartridge ofclaim 16, wherein the top surface includes one or more gaps thatseparate at least some of the plurality of surface features.
 28. Theremovable fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein at least one of theone or more light sources is integrated as part of the fragrancecartridge.
 29. The removable fragrance cartridge of claim 16, furthercomprising at least a section of a push button control switch.